“It’s a big decision, for me, for my family, but there’s also the question of how you’re gonna be received across the state,” Kennedy said.

The 73-year-old Markey said he spoke with Kennedy Wednesday and is looking forward to the campaign.

“Elections are about choices, and Ed looks forward to spending the next 14 months campaigning hard every day to show the people of the Commonwealth why he’s the right choice,” Markey’s campaign said in a statement.